It was 6:00.
The work day ended an hour ago, but she had stayed. A few remaining coworkers who had yet to finish up their work for the week lingered around the office. She could hear them slowly say their goodbyes to one another outside her door, wishing one another a good weekend. Plans to meet up for shopping trips and drinks were made in hushed voices outside her office, hoping she wouldn't here them. She wasn't offended, though. Hermione was much too busy helping wizarding kind then to waste time shopping with coworkers she wasn't overly fond of.
It was 7:00.
By now all but two of her coworkers had gone home. She couldn't hear anymore talking, but could here soft music playing from the file room next door, where she knew her coworker, Patrick McCaffery, would be putting away files. Patrick had just turned 21 and had graduated from Ilvermorny in the States before moving to London a couple of months ago. Hermione liked him. He was young and driven to succeed. He often stayed late and finished up odds and ends that their other coworkers had left behind. And he never complained. She liked that best of all.
Hermione knew her boss also remained in the office. Maria Melborne ran a tight ship, but was a kind and dedicated leader. If Hermione and Maria left the office at the same time, it was considered an early day for her boss. And Hermione rarely left on time.
It was 8:00.
Patrick had gone home, bidding Hermione a goodnight and a pleasant weekend. She hadn't moved from behind her desk. The same parchment she'd been going over for the last few hours still stared her in the face. There were so many cross-outs and corrections, Hermione really questioned just what the Department of Law Enforcement was thinking, trying to pass such a stupid proposal. It needed so much correcting, and she knew there were going to be a lot of long, boring meetings over the next few weeks that would all end without anything getting solved. Just like they always did.
It was 9:00.
She stretched her arms above her head and let out a long breath. Her back was starting to hurt from hunching over her desk all day. She glanced at the clock and took in how late it was getting. Crookshanks would be getting hangry soon. The little beastie always got a bit of an attitude before he was fed. Not that he didn't eat all day, but he seemed to be especially hungry around dinner time. Hermione smiled and shook her head. He'll just have to wait. She had to finish this document before she went home for the weekend, otherwise she wouldn't be able to sleep until she came back to her office.
It was 10:00.
The enchanted window in her office had darkened long ago. A few lights remained on but dim, giving the office a bit of an earie glow. Hermione liked staying late, though. It was quiet and no one disturbed her. Well, usually.
"You're still here." Maria stated, poking her head through Hermione's door. Her grey hair looked frazzled and she had tied it into a bun at some point in the day.
"Yes, this proposal is going to be the death of me." Hermione replied.
"That bad, huh?"
"Worse." She said on a sigh.
"I'm not surprised. They're a bunch of men in that department that don't exactly think with their brains." Maria said with a sly smile and a wink. "Anyways, i'm kicking you out. It's Friday and you're young. Go out!"
"Oh, but I really want to finish reviewing this. You know I won't be able to rest until Monday if I don't." Hermione replied with a frown.
Maria sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Fine. But I'm only giving you another half hour. Any more than that, and i'll drag you out of this office myself!"
"Yes ma'am!" Hermione said with a mock salute and a smile.
Maria closed the door quietly and Hermione heard her meander back to her office and shut the door. Half an hour. She can finish it in half an hour. She was practically done. Besides, the whole document was a freaking mess anyways, and it would have to be given back to her when corrections were made so that she could do another read-through. Hermione read quickly through the last remaining pages, and just as she was cleaning off her desk and about to grab her coat, Maria poked her head through the door again.
"Good. I'm glad you listened to me. Now go out and have fun! Merlin knows you need to enjoy yourself a bit. Go find a man! You won't stay young forever, you know."
Hermione chuckled and walked over to Maria to lock her door. "Yes yes, I know. But you're young yourself, Maria, and I don't see you running out of here to go prowl on young men."
"Ah, alas, my prowling days are over. No. Now I stay here and make life difficult for the men upstairs." She said with a wink. "Now go. Have a good weekend and I will see you Monday morning." Maria turned around and walked back towards her office.
"Goodnight, Maria!" Hermione called as she left. Maria just waved her hand without turning around, giving a 'shoo' action.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hermione arrived through the floo back into her living room. Crookshanks was already there, staring at the fireplace. When he saw her, he immediately started meowing and winding himself around her feet. Hermione walked into the kitchen and pulled down a can of cat food, opening it with the can opener and pouring it into Crookshanks food bowl. He sauntered over, sniffed it, sat down and glared at her. "Don't give me that look." She scoffed. "I can't afford to feed you tuna every night!" It was then that Hermione heard a soft hooting from the window. Looking up, she saw a brown barn owl resting on her armchair, staring at her. "Hello. And who's lovely bird might you be?" she asked, handing the owl a treat from the satchel on the windowsill. She slowly untied the letter from the bird and noticed it had the Hogwarts crest. "That's odd. Perhaps Minerva wants to have tea soon. I'll read it later. But first, I'm starving!" She allowed the owl to rest while she went back into the kitchen and began cooking herself dinner.
Later that evening as Hermione was resting on her couch with a book and a bottle of wine, the floo call chimed, signifying someone was trying to contact her. A moment later, Ron's head appeared in the fire.
"Ron!"
"Hey 'Mione!" he exclaimed. "Sorry i'm calling so late. How are you?"
Hermione got up from the couch and knelt in front of the fire.
"It's okay! I'm just relaxing. I'm well, but why are you calling so late? Is everything alright?" Concern lacing her voice.
Ron smiled sheepishly "yeah everything is fine. Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you. I just wanted to let you know that i'll be home next weekend. I was wondering if you'd like to go out for drinks when I get back. I already spoke with Harry and he said he will definitely be coming."
She grinned "of course he wouldn't miss a chance to go to the pub. Yes, I would absolutely love to go! I haven't seen you in a few months! I miss you."
"I miss you, too. I'll owl you with details. I'm not quite sure what time I'll be home, but I'll let you know. Charlie will be coming home as well, so I'll have to wait until he's done taking care of his babies" Ron said with an eye roll.
Hermione chuckled "that's harsh, Ron. You know he loves those dragons, and I know that you love them as well, so don't try to hide it from me."
Ron laughed "I can't hide anything from you. Anyway, I'll let you get back to your books and your wine. Love you!"
"I love you too, Ron. Goodnight."
Ron's face disappeared from the flames. She got up and walked back over to the couch. As she did, the letter from Hogwarts caught her eye. Opening it up, she read the contents and smiled. Minerva did want to have tea. But she hinted that there was something important she wished to speak with Hermione about. I'll respond to her letter in the morning, she thought with a smirk. But for now, I would very much like to get lost in my book and the taste of my wine.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hermione didn't sleep well that night. She rarely did. Memories of the war plagued her dreams every night. Though it had been seven years since the war ended, it was difficult to forget the horrors she endured and the faces of the dead that she remembered so vividly.
She glanced at the clock and saw that it was only 5:00. She covered her face with her hands and groaned. Might as well get up now, since I won't be able to get back to sleep anyways she thought to herself. She rolled out of bed and padded her way to the bathroom. Deciding a bath would relax her, she turned on the water faucet and pulled down some lavender scented batch salts. Once the tub was full, Hermione pealed off her sweaty clothes and climbed into the tub, sighing in content as the hot water soaked into her body. She flicked her wand at the radio sitting on the countertop, and closed her eyes, listening to the soft music.
She must have fallen asleep, because when she opened her eyes again, the water had gone cold and she could hear Crookshanks meowing and batting at the door for her to feed him. She groaned and stood up, wrapping her hair in a towel and a bathrobe around her body.
After feeding Crookshanks his morning milk, she made her way into the bedroom to get dressed for the day. When Harry appeared in her fireplace an hour later, Hermione was sitting at the table, with a piece of omelet halfway to her mouth.
"Hey Harry! To what do I owe the pleasure?"
He grinned "what? I can't just pop in and see you"
"You can, but we both know you have better manners than that. You're lucky I got dressed first."
He laughed, "please Hermione, we lived in a tent for a year. The threat of seeing you naked hasn't been scary since we were children"
She grinned slyly at him "I suppose I'll have to find a new threat. I'm sure Ginny can give me a list of a few good hexes to use."
He immediately frowned and his face went slightly pale. "Please don't. My wife is terrifying enough. I don't need to be afraid of two witches in my life."
Hermione laughed "This is true. But really, what's up? Did Ginny kick you out of the house again?"
Harry smiled again, "Nah, she's visiting Mrs. Weasley this morning. I was left to fend for myself. So, I was hoping you had some breakfast left over?" He looked at her hopefully.
Hermione rolled her eyes and smiled "Yes, there's still food on the stove." He smiled broadly and walked to the stove to make himself a plate.
"You know, you really should learn to cook for yourself sometime. You shouldn't rely on Ginny and myself to always feed you."
"I know! I can cook dinners, and I usually do if Ginny has a late game. But I always make a mess of breakfast. I don't even know how!" He exclaimed as he sat across from her at the table. "I mean, it's really just eggs and toast, I don't know how I keep messing it up."
"Hmmm" Hermione said as she chewed her omelet, "truly a mystery."
The two friends ate their breakfast and talked for a few hours before Harry glanced at his watch and stood up.
"I should get going" he said, looking at her again. "I'm sure Ginny is home by now, and I know she wanted to go shopping today. Your welcome to come with us, of course. Get you out of the house for the weekend." He gave her a pointed look.
Hermione stood with a sigh. "Well, I have been meaning to pick up a few new books, if you don't mind."
On Harry's groan, Hermione smacked his arm. "I'll only be a few minutes! Besides, you and Ginny always drag me to look at the new quidditch brooms!"
"Yeah, but that's different! Ginny needs them for her job!"
Hermione crossed her arms. "Well, I need books for my mind. Go. I'll meet you at your place in 10 minutes." She kissed Harry on the cheek and pushed him towards the floo.
Once Harry had disappeared, Hermione grabbed a light sweater and sandals. It was early September, but there was a slight breeze in the air. Rushing to the bathroom mirror, she quickly tied her bushy hair into a bun and straightened her clothes. Deeming herself acceptable to be out in society, she walked to the fireplace and flooed to Grimuald Place.
Hermione stepped out of the fireplace and immediately was embraced by Ginny.
"Oh Hermione! I'm so excited you're coming! Harry is just horrible at helping me pick out cute clothes."
"Hey! I always tell you that you look adorable in anything you wear!" Harry exclaimed, looking mildly hurt.
"Yes, I know my love. And I adore it. But I need a girls opinion to tell me the truth."
"But I do tell you the truth" Harry said quietly with a frown.
Ginny walked over to him and kissed him softly. Leaning into his ear, she whispered so that Hermione wouldn't hear "I'll show you how much I love that you tell me the truth later. After we purchase some….underthings…" She pulled back with a wink.
Harry's eye grew wide and he smiled broadly "I am no longer offended."
Ginny laughed and Hermione smiled and rolled her eyes. "Gross. Stop being so in love and let's head out. I want to beat the crowd."
Hermione stepped into the floo and disappeared to the Leaky Cauldron. Harry kissed Ginny on the lips briefly and followed Hermione, with Ginny following quickly after.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"So Hermione, have you heard that they're going be throwing the ministry Halloween ball at Hogwarts this year?" Ginny asked.
The three of them had finished their shopping and decided to get lunch and butterbeers at the Leaky Cauldron before returning home. They sat around a table, bags piled around their feet.
"I haven't" Hermione replied, "but I did receive an owl from Minerva saying she wanted to speak with me. I assume it's about the ball."
"My mother told me this morning. She's on the planning committee." Ginny said before taking a large bite of her sandwich.
Harry put down his butterbeer and looked thoughtful. "Why at Hogwarts? All of the children will be there."
Ginny finished chewing before she replied. "Since the school reopened a few years ago, all of the children get sent home for holidays. I guess most parents are still a bit uneasy about letting their children attend Hogwarts again."
"That's true." Hermione nodded and looked at Harry "remember Minerva told us how few children returned the first year Hogwarts reopened. The numbers have increased each year, but only slightly. It's silly to keep the children through the Holidays with the castle so empty already."
Harry frowned, "I guess it will take awhile for everyone to truly feel safe again. And even longer for everyone to forget."
The mood sobered then, the three friends each had distant looks on their faces. Hermione absently rubbed the scar on her arm. Everyone had their own demons and scars. Everyone that had fought had either died or watched someone die. The war was over, but the darkness remained. It could still be seen walking through parts of Diagon Alley, shops remained closed or destroyed either because the owner never came back, or they didn't survive.
Hermione glanced at the clock on the wall and realized it was getting late. She stood up and tossed a few galleons on the table.
"Thanks for inviting me out guys. I must get going, though. I took a few files home from work that I need to look over before Monday." She said, grabbing her bags from the floor.
Harry stood up on a sigh. "You know work is meant for the weekdays, right?"
Ginny rolled her eyes and mumbled "says the man who goes into work on weekends."
Hermione laughed and kissed both of her friends on the cheek. "Sorry, but saving magical creatures is a job that never sleeps. I'll see you next weekend, Ginny. And Harry, i'll see you for lunch on Monday?"
"Can't" Harry replied, "I have training until two. How about Tuesday?"
Hermione nodded and they made plans to meet at the café in London that they loved. She waved goodbye to her friends as she went through the floo.
Back at her apartment, Hermione sat down at her desk and responded to Minerva's letter from the day before, asking if two weeks from the day would be acceptable to meet for tea.
The owl from Hogwarts was still in her apartment. It seemed to have taken a liking to Crookshanks and kept staring at him. Crookshanks, on the other hand, did not appreciate the new guest, and glared at him evilly.
Hermione attached the letter to the owls foot and walked it over to the window. Opening it and sticking her arm out, she wished the owl a safe travel and let it take off, watching until it disappeared behind the buildings.
She sighed and closed the window, grabbing a coffee and her folders and getting to work.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It wasn't until late the next morning that Hermione got an affirmative answer from Minerva, accepting her date for tea. A few hours later, another owl came from Ron, giving the details of his arrival at noon the coming Saturday. He and Charlie would be arriving Saturday at the burrow. Mrs. Weasley already had a lunch planned to welcome them home, and she wouldn't allow Hermione to say no.
Smiling to herself, Hermione wrote a quick letter back, informing him that she would of course be there for his arrival, and giving her love and excitement to see him again.
While Hermione and Ron had been a couple right after the war, their relationship only lasted about two months. Both parties felt the relationship was a bit expected from everyone around them, and honestly, it was a bit weird. Ron and Harry were like brothers to Hermione, and dating Ron just felt wrong. So they mutually broke up, and a year later, Ron had travelled to Romania to be a dragon tamer like his brother Charlie.
Since then, Ron only came home a few times a year, so Mrs. Weasley always planned a feast for when her sons returned.
For the rest of the day, Hermione padded around her apartment. She cleaned, she read, she ate her meals, and she relaxed. Overall, it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday.
The following week flew by. Hermione worked overtime to get her desk cleared of any papers so that she wouldn't have anything interfering with her weekend. She wanted to spend as much time with Ron as she could, since she never knew when he'd come home again.
By Friday afternoon, Hermione was exhausted. There had been two complaints involving a niffler stealing someone's purse, and an altercation between a landowner and a centaur over who's land a certain tree grew on.
Hermione groaned and put her hands over her face. Sometimes, she wondered why she decided to fight for magical creatures rights, especially when all they did was give her a headache and a reason to drink.
Glancing at the clock, she realized it was 7:00. Deciding to call it a day and eager to start her weekend, Hermione grabbed her jacket and flooed home.
After feeding herself and Crookshanks, she grabbed a glass of wine, a book and a throw blanket, curling herself up on her couch for the remainder of the evening.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The next day, Hermione awoke bright and early. She didn't have any dreams last night, which to her, was a good thing. She made her way to the bathroom and started her morning routine of using the loo and brushing her teeth, before climbing into the bathtub for a nice morning soak.
After she felt relaxed and refreshed, Hermione climbed out and started getting dressed, deciding on a dark red dress with long sleeves. She paired it with a pair of brown knee high boots and a white scarf. She put on her makeup, light eyeliner and mascara, and then started the project of tackling her hair.
After one hour and two failed attempts to straighten it, Hermione emerged from her bedroom with her hair thrown into a messy bun. Noting the time, she quickly made a piece of toast with jam before flooing to the burrow.
When she arrived, the house was in a panic. Mrs. Weasley was shouting instructions to her children while simultaneously cooking. She had charmed the broom to sweep the kitchen and the dishes to wash themselves.
Mrs. Weasley was in a tizzy. Her hair was wild, her apron a mess, and her face red from shouting. She kissed Hermione a quick hello, and pushed her outside to help Ginny and George de-gnome the garden.
Entering the gardens, Hermione found Ginny and George having a competition on who can throw the gnome the furthest.
"Hey 'Mione! Come to join us hurl these buggers?" George asked as he threw another gnome across the yard.
"I guess so. What's up with your mum? I know she usually stresses when Ron and Charlie come home, but why is she having you de-gnome the garden?" Hermione asked as she searched the lettuce patch for more gnomes.
Ginny popped her head up, "apparently Ron and Charlie are bringing a friend from work home with them, so mum wants to make sure we give a good first impression" she said with an eye roll.
"As if her cooking isn't going to impress them enough." Hermione said as she plucked a gnome by the feet and flung it over the wall.
"I don't think he's staying for lunch. Ron wrote to tell me that he's only travelling with them via portkey, and then he'll be leaving. He didn't tell me who it was though. And he also told me to 'be nice'. Whatever that means."
Hermione laughed. "It is something we have to remind you, Ginny. You have a strong personality."
"And a strong arm! Good throw, Gin!" George exclaimed as his sister launched a gnome over the wall.
The three of them continued to de-gnome the garden until Harry came outside, informing them that Mrs. Weasley demanded everyone to be washed up and presentable, as the portkey was to arrive in 45 minutes.
After everyone had washed up and was deemed presentable by Mrs. Weasley, they all sat around the living room waiting for the portkey to arrive.
At exactly 12:00, the portkey activated and three people suddenly appeared in the middle of the Weasleys living room.
Charlie looked much the same as he always had, with broad shoulders and long hair tied back. Ron had filled out into his body a couple of years ago, and he copied Charlies hairstyle. He must not have shaved in awhile, since there was a healthy amount of stubble growing around his mouth and down his neck. He looked pretty roguish, and Hermione thought he wore the look well.
The third person was a bit taller than Ron, but shorter than Charlie. His build was lean but muscular, his hair was short and a bit messy. His face was clean, and his jaw was set. It took Hermione a couple of moments to recognize him, but when she did, her eyes widened, and she realized the rest of the room was silent.
Everyone was staring at the third man, eyes wide and a couple of mouths agape.
There, in the center of the Weasley living room, stood Draco Malfoy.
